Automotive Design
replace original equipment (OE) pads to improve the braking performance of road cars. Gill Sensors
returned to the show for 2012 to launch its Ultrasonic Fuel Flow Sensor that measures
bidirectional fuel fl ow rate to 0.3 per cent accuracy in real time. Neville Meech, Gill
Sensors’ lead consultant engineer, explained the background: “Last time we were here there was interest in one of our products and
Fig. 3. Technology transfer from motorsport to other sectors means that, for example, Zircotec’s Zircofl ex fl exible ceramic material is helping to keep parts of military vehicles cool.
how it could be adapted to fulfi l different requirements. Now we are back with our new sensor and a number of governing bodies and major series
are interested in using it as part of a control system.” There is a long tradition of motorsport developments
helping to improve everyday road cars. While the connection is not always obvious, especially when looking at the extreme examples of Formula One and Indycar, motorsport remains important to the development of future road cars.
Technology transfer
Zircotec is increasingly fi nding that its high-performance coatings are in demand from industries other than motorsport. For example, in the defence sector Zircofl ex is being used to help keep crucial parts of military vehicles cool in harsh environments (Fig.3). The marine market also makes use of Zircotec’s technologies, with hard-wearing coatings now applied to components onboard yachts competing in the Volvo Ocean Race. Peter Whyman, Zircotec’s sales director, says: “From
our involvement in motorsport we have learnt to create lightweight parts that offer high levels of performance in harsh environments. Many of these technologies are transferable. We even have a road car project with a ‘diffuser’ that is coated with our Thermohold fi nish to prevent it being damaged by hot exhaust gases. We have also learnt to work faster. F1 deadlines mean we can turn around parts in the day now!” ●
is turning to a multi-modal human machine interface (HMI) approach, wherein all the interfaces play an equal role. The main aim here is to prioritise information and reduce driver workload. According to a new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of European and North American Automotive Human Machine Interface Market, 16 million cars will be equipped with basic voice interface, 6.9 million with advanced voice interface, and 1.2 million with multifunctional knobs in Europe by 2017. In North America, 13.6 million cars will have basic voice, 6.8 million advanced voice, and 0.9 million will be equipped with multifunctional knobs by 2017. The integration of varied comfort and
safety user interfaces into a single system is a growing trend. Multi-modal HMI solutions will help reduce complexity, while focussing on the consumer demand for different interfaces. “OEMs and suppliers are constantly
working on prioritising the information coming from infotainment systems and smartphones in order to minimise driver distraction and increase safety,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Krishna Jayaraman. “The primary aim of HMI is to simplify the driver’s interaction with the car; OEMs are actively looking at fi nding
14
www.engineerlive.com
HMIs tap synergies between driver and car T
o deal with the issue of driver distraction, the automotive industry
an optimal solution to this challenge by providing the same styling of HMI solutions across their product line to minimise distraction as well as the driver learning curve.” The majority of in-vehicle functionalities
require a substantial amount of information to be presented to the driver. This contributes to the problem of inattentive driving, while increasing the risk of traffi c accidents. Therefore, effectively managing information fl ows is a big challenge. “Information has to be split among
different vehicle displays and the input channels have to be ergonomically positioned,” says Jayaraman. Designing a user interface that is
simple, accessible, less distractive, and affordable presents a key challenge. The location of the user interface and the type of information depending on the driving conditions are the main issues in the development of an effi cient HMI. HMI solutions have to be designed
keeping the primary task of driving in mind. HMI controls are strongly co-related to vehicle comfort and ease of use. OEMs need therefore, to offer solutions to which consumers are accustomed. This will decrease the learning curve and make it easy for drivers to use different functions with controls they are familiar with. Meanwhile, Vehicle manufacturers (VMs)
in Europe and North America have up their game in response to the smartphone threat. Most of them have fl ooded the market with free apps focusing on areas such as customer relationship management (CRM) and breakdown assistance, while others have created value-added apps such as remote start/stop. New developments such as the Nokia MirrorLink, are opening new revenue opportunities for VMs to enable smartphone apps inside the car in a complete remote terminal fashion with controls using vehicle HMI. This, in turn, is creating a massive interest in HMI elements as both revenue generator as well as brand differentiator. Concepts such as Chevrolet MyLink, GMC Intellilink are examples of this HMI response by automakers. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Connectivity, App Stores, and Cloud-based Delivery Platforms: Future of Connected Infotainment and Telematics Market, fi nds almost every VM developing and hosting apps on popular application stores in the next year. Interest from handset makers such as HTC, Samsung, LG and Sony in the Nokia MirrorLink standard underscores its potential of becoming an industry standard, allowing VMs to standardise and make revenues out of apps.” ●
For more information, visit
www.frost.com
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